The Last Twelve Miles” by Erika Robuck

Summary

“The Last Twelve Miles” by Erika Robuck is a historical fiction novel based on a true story. It revolves around two remarkable women on opposite sides of the law during the Prohibition era. Let me give you a concise summary:

In 1926 Washington, D.C., the Coast Guard is losing the Prohibition Rum War. Their secret weapon? Mrs. Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a 5’2″ mastermind in heels and a wife and mother. She’s a codebreaker who intercepts smuggler messages. Meanwhile, Marie Waite, known as The Bahama Queen, wants to rise as rumrunner royalty

Central Conflicts

“The Last Twelve Miles,” the central conflicts revolve around the Prohibition era, with Mrs. Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a codebreaker working for the Coast Guard, trying to intercept smuggler messages, and Marie Waite, The Bahama Queen, aiming to rise as rumrunner royalty. Their clash creates a dangerous game of cat and mouse, filled with intrigue and high stakes.

Main Characters

The Last Twelve Miles,” the main characters are Mrs. Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a codebreaker working for the Coast Guard, and Marie Waite, known as The Bahama Queen, a rumrunner during the Prohibition era. Their paths intersect in a dangerous game of intrigue and high stakes.

Key Events

Here are the key events in “The Last Twelve Miles”:

1. Prohibition Era Setting: The novel is set during the Prohibition era in 1926 Washington, D.C., where alcohol is banned, but smuggling and rumrunning thrive.
2. Elizebeth’s Codebreaking: Mrs. Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a codebreaker, intercepts smuggler messages for the Coast Guard. Her work is crucial in the fight against illegal alcohol trade.
3. Marie Waite, The Bahama Queen: Marie Waite, known as The Bahama Queen, is a daring rumrunner. She navigates dangerous waters to transport illegal liquor.
4. Clash of Paths: Elizebeth and Marie’s paths intersect, leading to a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Their conflicting roles create intrigue and tension.
5. Intrigue and Danger: As Elizebeth tries to outwit smugglers, Marie aims to rise as rumrunner royalty. The tension escalates, and secrets unfold.

Plots

“The Last Twelve Miles” is a thrilling historical fiction novel based on true events. Let me give you an overview of the plot:

• Elizebeth Smith Friedman: She’s a meticulous government codebreaker working for the Coast Guard. Her mission is to intercept and decipher messages from smugglers during Prohibition.
• Marie Waite, The Bahama Queen: Marie, a flamboyant rumrunner, makes and loses fortunes on the waters off the Florida Keys. She decides to take over the rum-running business from her husband and build it into something bigger.

Conclusion

In the conclusion of “The Last Twelve Miles,” the tension between Mrs. Elizebeth Smith Friedman and Marie Waite reaches its peak. Their dangerous game of cat and mouse culminates in unexpected twists, revealing secrets and challenging loyalties. As the Prohibition era draws to a close, readers are left with a sense of intrigue and resolution.

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